What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is necessary for good health, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's naturally produced in your body, primarily by your liver.

It's in all the cells in your body and is essential to the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile, which helps you digest your food.

Cholesterol is packaged inside an envelope of lipids (fat), with specific proteins on the inside to make up particles called lipoproteins.

Cholesterol is also found in foods, such as meat, dairy products, and eggs. When you eat too much of these foods, your liver produces more cholesterol.

Good Cholesterol vs. Bad Cholesterol

There are two type of cholesterol: “good” cholesterol, aka high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and “bad” cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

A high level of HDL may lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL cholesterol helps your body remove LDL by carrying it from the bloodstream and artery walls to your liver, where it is broken down and excreted from the body.

LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, can cause more plaque to form in your arteries.

This thick, hard deposit can clog arteries and makes them harder in a condition called atherosclerosis, which can lead to a greater risk of heart attack or stroke.

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells and, along with carbohydrates and protein, are an important energy source for your body.

Trade unhealthy fats for healthier ones. Limit the amount of trans fats and saturated fats in your diet. These are most often found in packaged foods, fast foods, butter, palm and coconut oils, and full-fat dairy (e.g., whole milk). Instead, opt for monounsaturated fats found in olive, peanut, and canola oils and nuts.

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